The Foundation at Hearst Castle is proud to announce it has received the 2023 GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency for the first time. GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations and the platinum rating is GuideStar’s highest level of recognition.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, September 12th, 2026
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2026, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, August 29th, 2026
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2026, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, August 8th, 2026
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2026, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
Neptune Pool Swim: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle and their guests may swim in the Neptune Pool. A handful of charitable swim experiences are scheduled for 2026, limited to 50 guests each, so make your reservation today.
First Women of Hollywood: Book Talk & Signing
Discover the Untold Stories of Hollywood’s Female Trailblazers Join us for a captivating afternoon with author and film historian Mary Mallory as she presents her latest book, First Women of Hollywood: Female Pioneers in the Early Motion Picture Business. This enlightening event will take place at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 1, at the historic Monday Club in San Luis Obispo. In her meticulously researched work, Mallory delves into the overlooked contributions of women who were instrumental in shaping the early film industry. From directors and screenwriters to editors, costume designers, and even the first female projectionists and animators, these pioneers played crucial roles in the burgeoning world of cinema. Mallory’s book brings to light nearly fifty remarkable women, including both familiar names like Mary Pickford and lesser-known figures such as Bessie May Kelley and Elsa Lopez, offering a comprehensive look at their invaluable impact on Hollywood’s formative years. Admission to the event is free, and copies of First Women of Hollywood will be available for purchase during the signing. Proceeds from book sales will support the Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission to fund educational programs and preserve the cultural legacy of this historic landmark. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the women who helped build Hollywood and contribute to a worthy cause. Event details Open to public. All ages welcome First come, first-served. Event is held at The Monday Club in San Luis Obispo. About the Foundation The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle, and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students — to enhance the appreciation of the art and architecture of this world-class museum and monument, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and inspiring future generations of visionaries. The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533.
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Exciting Expansion for Our STEAM Program
SAN SIMEON, CA, JULY 23, 2024 — We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program for the upcoming year. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, where we hosted up to 14 schools and served over 600 students, we are now increasing our capacity to accommodate 25 schools and aim to serve over 1,000 students. How can we achieve this? To achieve this ambitious goal, we will be doubling our operational days, offering two tours each day. This change will provide greater flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for more schools to participate with the dates available. By doing so, we hope to extend the opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration to a broader audience of eager young minds. This expansion wouldn’t be possible without the support of our dedicated state park staff. Their commitment to excellence and passion for education make them incredible guides for the student tours at the castle. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their ongoing assistance and expertise, which are crucial to the success of our program. Our STEAM program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We strive to provide engaging, hands-on experiences that delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, while also inspiring our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Just as Julia Morgan, the pioneering architect and engineer, built Hearst Castle a century ago, we want our students to see that they, too, can dream big and achieve their goals through dedication and creativity. As part of our program, students will engage in a variety of activities designed to both inspire and educate. At the beach, they will explore wildlife, dive into marine science, practice nature journaling, and learn about park careers. At the visitor center, students will participate in hands-on experiences that emphasize the historical and technological developments of our time. These experiences are crafted to provide valuable insights into the evolution of technology and its impact on society, all while aligning with California State Content Standards. Thank You To Our Donors We are also grateful to our donors, who play a pivotal role in the success of our STEAM program. We invite them to shadow our tours to see firsthand the impact of their contributions on the students who participate in our program. New Fundraising Goal To support this significant expansion, our fundraising goal for this year is set at $80,000. These funds will be used for various needs, including supplies, expanding our program, providing lunches and morning snacks, and covering transportation costs. We believe that with support, we can reach this goal and continue to provide enriching and inspiring experiences for our students. Looking Ahead As our program evolves, so does our commitment to excellence. We are focused on continually updating our resources and refining our activities to offer even more enriching experiences. The genuine excitement and curiosity we observe in students, particularly those encountering the beach for the first time, underscore the remarkable potential for learning and growth. Our mission is to […]
Achieving New Heights: Celebrating 15 S.T.E.A.M Tours in 2024
SAN SIMEON, CA, FEBRUARY 12, 2023 — We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that we’ve surpassed our goal of 12 S.T.E.A.M tours for the year and officially hit our max of 15! It’s a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to inspiring and educating young minds through our unique S.T.E.A.M Program. What is the S.T.E.A.M Program? Our S.T.E.A.M Program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We aim to provide engaging and hands-on experiences that not only delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math but also inspire our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. We aim to inspire our visitors to reflect on how the knowledge and experiences gained during our tours can influence their future aspirations and self-perception. Just as pioneering architect and engineer Julia Morgan built Hearst Castle a century ago, and William Randolph Hearst who had the vision to bring it to life, we want our students to recognize that they too have the power to dream big and turn their aspirations into reality. Join the Adventure! As we celebrate the success of our past S.T.E.A.M tours, we’re thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all members to join our upcoming enriching adventures. These custom tours of notable landmarks, along with interactive workshops and guided explorations, offer immersive experiences aligned with grade-appropriate S.T.E.A.M curriculum. Furthermore, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in the tours you’ve played a pivotal role in bringing to life, allowing you to directly witness the profound impact of your contributions on our students’ educational journeys. January 19th Shafter Youth Center February 9th El Sausal Middle School February 16th Peoples Self Help Housing Group February 23rd San Lucas Elementary School March 1st Fairgrove Elementary School March 8th Oak Avenue Elementary School March 15th Palm Avenue Middle School March 22nd Virginia Peterson Elementary School April 19th Branch Elementary School April 26th Monarch Grove Elementary School May 3rd San Ardo Elementary May 10th Loma Vista Community School May 17th Shell Beach Elementary School May 24th Cambria Grammar School May 31st Community Action Partnership of SLO The Experience What makes our S.T.E.A.M Program even more special is the opportunity to introduce children to experiences they may have never encountered before. Imagine, for instance, some of the kids have never seen the beaches.In our upcoming tours, we have selected destinations where these young minds will have the chance to behold the beauty of the beach for the very first time, enhancing their educational journey with an added sense of wonder and excitement. Our S.T.E.A.M Program isn’t just about guiding students through tours—it’s about facilitating a transformative journey for both them and our participants. It’s about witnessing the sheer joy of discovery, the excitement of learning, and the profound impact it has on young minds. But more than that, it’s about embarking on a deeply personal journey of growth and inspiration. As we set forth on this path together, let’s aim to make this more than just an educational experience for kids. Let’s make it a personal journey—a voyage of self-discovery and enlightenment. […]


